Cellulite Treatments: Pros and Cons

You're not alone if cellulite bothers you. Our drive to eliminate or at least reduce cellulite has resulted in a plethora of treatment choices. It's difficult to determine what, if anything, works with so many treatments available.

Dermatologists have been performing research investigations to find out. You'll be relieved to learn that some treatments can make cellulite less obvious at least temporarily.


Acoustic Wave Cellulite Treatment

Acoustic Wave Cellulite Treatment is a non-invasive treatment for cellulite that can be used for a long time. Achilles tendinitis, kidney stones, other soft tissue ailments, and skin tightening are among the conditions for which it is prescribed.

Acoustic wave therapy involves the use of ultrasonic waves to break down fibrous tissue and relax the septae (a wall, dividing a cavity or structure into smaller ones), resulting in a smoother outline.

The procedure begins with you lying down, after which a handpiece is placed on the target location. Some individuals use a special oil to guarantee that energy transmission is as smooth as possible. Planar waves are utilized to promote fat cell membrane permeability. They're also known as the "C-actor," and the "D-actor," which are radial waves, are then utilized to force fat out of the cells. As a result, your bumps are reduced, and your skin tightens up again.

The process can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes if two distinct locations are being treated, such as your thighs. However, if four different regions are being treated, the procedure can take up to an hour. The most important benefit of acoustic wave therapy is that it does not cause pain; but, if you're slender, it may generate an unpleasant sensation over your bones.

Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis, commonly referred to as "CoolSculpting" by patients, uses cold temperature to break down fat cells. Unlike other types of cells, fat cells are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of cold. The skin and other structures are unaffected while the fat cells freeze. Cryolipolysis may be of interest to patients who want to remove a localized fat bulge that has persisted despite diet and exercise.

The Procedure

An applicator of the proper size and curvature is chosen after an assessment of the dimensions and shape of the fatty bulge to be treated. The region of concern is highlighted to indicate where the applicator should be placed. To protect the skin, a gel pad is used. The applicator is used, and the bulge is suctioned into the applicator's hollow. The temperature inside the applicator lowers, and the area becomes numb as a result. Patients may suffer some discomfort as a result of the vacuum's pull on their tissue, but this goes away quickly after the area is numb. The suction is turned off, the applicator is removed, and the region is massaged after the hour-long treatment, which may improve the final results.

Cellfina

Cellfina (a.k.a. Tissue Stabilized-Guided Subscision or TS-GS) is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive cellulite treatment that detaches the fibrous bands that adhere to the undersides of the skin and cause dimples using specific cutting needles. The in-office cellulite treatment does not involve surgery or general anesthesia, and the effects endure for three years or longer.

Source: Cellfina Webpage


The Procedure

The ASDS (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery) physician will mark the cellulite dimples that may benefit from TS-GS prior to the operation. Then, to keep the patient comfortable before and after the treatment, a dilute numbing fluid called tumescent solution is injected into the skin and underlying fatty tissue. The TS-GS device is then used to treat the cellulite dimple. The cellulite dimple is dragged into the device using suction to stabilize the skin tissue. The cellulite dimple is then released at a precise depth using a specialist handpiece. The TS-GS procedure is repeated until all of the dimples that were chosen for therapy have been freed.


Cellfina - Cellulite Reduction

1 Cellulite - Connective tissue bands pulling down on skin cause cellulite dimpling	2 Dimpled areas are numbed with local anesthetic
3 Cellulite dimples are treated...	4 ...with a microblade that releases the connective tissue bands

Pros and Cons of Cryolipolysis

Cellulaze

Cellulaze is a laser that generates heat and breaks down collagen bands beneath the skin, causing the dimples that we call cellulite. A laser is used in this method, which is directed beneath the skin. Its heat breaks apart the tissue bands that bind the skin together and cause cellulite dimples, as well as induces collagen synthesis in the dermis of the skin, tightening it.

Cellulaze is best for patients with mild to moderate cellulite, as well as those who have some skin laxity or stretch.

The Procedure

The areas to be treated will be marked when the patient arrives for the Cellulaze cellulite reduction appointment. To help them not feel the cannula, antiseptic will be applied. The cannula will be used to inject numbing medication once the area is numb, so they won't feel the laser under your skin. A guiding light is attached to the end of the laser, which is long and narrow. It will be put under the skin and into the cannula aperture. The laser will be moved back and forth by the specialist to heat, disrupt, and melt the fat.

The fibrous bands that are pulling down on the skin and causing the dimpled appearance are subsequently released by the laser. The skin will appear significantly smoother as a result of this. In addition to increasing the depth and flexibility of the skin, the laser heat energy stimulates collagen formation. The length of the therapy will vary depending on how many places are being treated, but most sessions run around an hour. With just one Cellulaze treatment, patients can expect to see a 60% to 70% reduction in cellulite.


How Cellulaze Works: The Sidelight Technique

Pros and Cons of Cellulaze

In general, a certified, skilled aesthetician operating under physician supervision can safely accomplish non-invasive cellulite reduction. Treatments that necessitate the use of a laser, an incision, or both require significant medical expertise and anatomical knowledge, and should only be performed by a licensed cosmetic surgeon or provider with similar training and experience.

It's always advisable to visit a doctor who knows and treats the issue before undergoing any cosmetic (non-medically essential) treatment. The treatment's success is determined by the expertise and experience of the individual performing it.